We just got a new core router which will be fully in use this summer. I installed it into our rack yesterday but was wondering about whether I should run a ground to it or not. It came with all the supplies needed so I did it anyways.

All of our racks are grounded but individual devices are not. Is it a good idea to run a ground from each device into the rack? Or can you get away with having your rack grounded? It would be cool to get some feedback on how you guys ground your equipment as well.

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If the rack is grounded and they are mounted in the rack. They should be grounded through the frame to the mount to the screws to the rack. That is, if there is no paint in between any of those junctions. Eye ball each and if any look like its not like that, then ground them to the rack.

I agree with N3WJL. I would treat this grounding issue just like a grounded cable. I would ground my devices to the grounded rack. If you ground the rack and the individual devices, you may cause a grounding loop.

I agree with N3WJL. I would treat this grounding issue just like a grounded cable. I would ground my devices to the grounded rack. If you ground the rack and the individual devices, you may cause a grounding loop.

Would you not, therefore, be creating a ground loop anyway? Since most devices have a ground plug in the power cable, then grounding through the rack? The real point with ground loops is not to ground to two separate earth grounds. That is where a ground loop lies. Having multiple paths to the same earth is fine, and will be the case if you ground the frame and the power supply. If you have equipment with multiple earth grounds, you can have issues.

I agree with N3WJL. I would treat this grounding issue just like a grounded cable. I would ground my devices to the grounded rack. If you ground the rack and the individual devices, you may cause a grounding loop.

Would you not, therefore, be creating a ground loop anyway? Since most devices have a ground plug in the power cable, then grounding through the rack? The real point with ground loops is not to ground to two separate earth grounds. That is where a ground loop lies. Having multiple paths to the same earth is fine, and will be the case if you ground the frame and the power supply. If you have equipment with multiple earth grounds, you can have issues.

Exactly.... well almost... A ground loop is only a problem with more than one earthing ground within X feet of one another. Where X is determined by ground water content, water table depth, conductivity of dry earth, and other such factors. The average safe distance between two earthing grounds is 100 feet in most places for a standard household earth ground. In a commercial or industrial system that distance is much greater... unless all earthing grounds are interconnected. This system is called bonding. If you have ever worked in the marine field you should be familiar with that term.

In this case, the best choice for you would be to ground everything in the rack to the rack and ensure that the rack is grounded to the appropriate earthing ground. This should be the same ground as the power and communication grounds. Though I would suggest you consult a proper licensed electrician in your area before interconnecting any earthing grounds.

I'd take the grounding of all rack equipment seriously as I have seen "ghosts in the machine" issues arise from lack of proper grounding, especially with IP phone systems. Definitely involve an electrician as the common grounding point is definitely an issue.

I agree with N3WJL. I would treat this grounding issue just like a grounded cable. I would ground my devices to the grounded rack. If you ground the rack and the individual devices, you may cause a grounding loop.

Would you not, therefore, be creating a ground loop anyway? Since most devices have a ground plug in the power cable, then grounding through the rack? The real point with ground loops is not to ground to two separate earth grounds. That is where a ground loop lies. Having multiple paths to the same earth is fine, and will be the case if you ground the frame and the power supply. If you have equipment with multiple earth grounds, you can have issues.

Exactly.... well almost... A ground loop is only a problem with more than one earthing ground within X feet of one another. Where X is determined by ground water content, water table depth, conductivity of dry earth, and other such factors. The average safe distance between two earthing grounds is 100 feet in most places for a standard household earth ground. In a commercial or industrial system that distance is much greater... unless all earthing grounds are interconnected. This system is called bonding. If you have ever worked in the marine field you should be familiar with that term.

In this case, the best choice for you would be to ground everything in the rack to the rack and ensure that the rack is grounded to the appropriate earthing ground. This should be the same ground as the power and communication grounds. Though I would suggest you consult a proper licensed electrician in your area before interconnecting any earthing grounds.

I didn't quite think we needed to go that far with it, but, kudos to you!

1st Post

I do agree with Patrick who explained the Ground Loop. We manage data centers and we do ground the equipment to the rack and the rack will be grounded to the building (earth) ground. Yes, all the electrical panels are grounded to the earth ground as well. As he described, the Ground Loop occurs, if both the equipment and the rack grounded separately to the same earth ground at the same location.

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